Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state that borders Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The eastern section of Maryland is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and the Potomac River separates Maryland from both Virginia and West Virginia. In addition, the Chesapeake Bay cuts through the majority of the state, thereby forming the Eastern shore counties to the east of the bay. The prevalence of waterways makes the job of marine interdiction agents particularly important in Maryland.
Due to the considerable number of waterways that border Maryland and its position along the Eastern seaboard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a significant presence here to ensure border safety and security.
Maryland is part of the CBP Buffalo Sector, which covers the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, as well as Washington, D.C. and an additional 12 counties within Western New York. Further, the Buffalo Sector encompasses 8,600 miles, including 400 air miles on the eastern seaboard, 36 miles on the Niagara River, and 33 miles on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Border Patrol jobs in Maryland totaled 311 in 2011. That year, these CBP professionals were responsible for apprehending 2,114 would-be illegal border crossers and seizing 1,426 pounds of marijuana, in addition to an estimated 9 pounds of cocaine.
Border Patrol Career Requirements in Maryland
Due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the responsibilities of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have changed dramatically, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security now overseeing operations. CBP jobs now include detecting and intercepting terrorists, terrorist weapons, contraband, and illegal aliens.
Just a few of the border patrol jobs and customs careers that are present in Maryland include:
- CBP Officers
- Border Patrol Agents
- Air/Marine Interdiction Agents
All CBP jobs require a specific set of educational and experience requirements for agents begin training; however, the CBP demands that all candidates seeking a career with the CBP:
- Are a U.S. citizen
- Meet U.S. residency requirements
- Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license
- Pass background, criminal, and credit checks
- Pass a fitness test and medical exam
- Have no domestic violence convictions
Past or present arrests and convictions and financial issues and debts may prevent candidates from securing jobs with the CBP.
Maryland Service Port
The CBP is responsible for the Baltimore Service Port in Maryland. CBP professionals, including Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers, are responsible for overseeing cargo processing functions in the Baltimore Service Port. Some of the responsibilities associated with Service Port jobs through the CBP include: inspections, entry, collections, and verification.